Austin Deasy
Question:157 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the types and numbers of aircraft and helicopters in the possession of the Air Corps; and if there are plans to replace some of these or to provide additional craft. [4838/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
The Air Corps currently has 17 fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters which are used for the following purposes: seven Siai-Marchetti SF 260W Aircraft of Italian manufacture which are being used for basic pilot training; six Cessna aircraft of American design and French manufacture are held. These are Army co-operation aircraft with some offensive – air to ground – capability and with training capability; one Beech Super Kingair twin-engined turbo-prop aircraft which is used for ministerial air transport service and twin-engined pilot training; one Gulfstream IV aircraft was acquired in December 1991 for the transport of Ministers and officials. It was leased for ten years from 1991 and was purchased in December 2001 on termination of lease; two CASA CN 235 aircraft which are used mainly for fishery surveillance purposes; seven Alouette III helicopters are held. They are used for search and rescue, air ambulance and other services and have proved valuable in security operations; two Gazelle helicopters which are used for pilot training; four SA 365F Dauphin helicopters which are used for search and rescue.
It is intended to place a contract this year for the acquisition of medium range helicopters for search and rescue. This contract will include an option to purchase two further such helicopters for general purpose military transport.
In the near future it is intended to lease a seven/eight seater aircraft as a back up to the ministerial air transport service. In addition, it is intended to hold a tender competition for new trainer aircraft as replacement for the SiaiMarchettis which are over 20 years old.